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In early spring 2022, with reports growing about mpox cases internationally, the DHEC Division of Acute Disease Epidemiology (DADE) staff began to follow updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In May of 2020, the CDC issued a health alert regarding a positive mpox case in Massachusetts and DADE shared it through DHEC’s Health Alert Network (HAN).

Naegleria fowleri ameba

Naegleria fowleri is an ameba (single-celled living organism) commonly found in warm freshwater bodies such as lakes, rivers, and hot springs as well as soil. In rare cases, it can cause a severe infection in the brain.

Naegleria fowleri grows best at higher temperatures up to 115°F (46°C) and can survive for short periods at higher temperatures.

Risk of Infection

Although Naegleria fowleri is commonly found in warm freshwater, infection is very rare.

• Tuberculosis
• Group A Streptococcal Infection
• Group B Streptococcal (GBS)
• HIB (Haemophilus Influenza)

1. What is Staph? Staph is a type of bacteria. Up to one-third of all people carry Staph on their skin or in their nose. They are "colonized," but not infected, with Staph. They have no symptoms, yet they can pass the germ to others.

Overview

West Nile virus is a disease transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected after feeding on infected birds.

What is Pertussis?

Pertussis, or whooping cough, is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that is found throughout the world. Pertussis was one of the most common causes of childhood deaths prior to the availability of a vaccine.

Since the widespread use of the vaccine began, deaths from have decreased dramatically. Because the bacteria are so widespread, most communities, including South Carolina, can expect cases of the disease each year. Pertussis most commonly affects infants and young children.

What Is Eastern Equine Encephalitis?

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is a viral illness that can cause inflammation of the brain. Certain birds are reservoirs for this virus; mosquitoes that feed on these birds can carry the virus to people and other animals. Similar to West Nile Virus and St. Louis Encephalitis, a mosquito that bites an infected bird can in turn bite a mammal or a person. EEE can produce severe disease in horses, some game birds and rarely, people. Most cases of EEE in the United States occur in east coast and gulf coast states.

What are head lice?

Head lice are tiny insects that feed on blood from the human scalp and lay their eggs on hair. Head lice are very common, particularly in children. There is no connection between head lice and the length of someone's hair or the cleanliness of the hair, body, or home or school environment.

The medical name for head lice is Pediculosis humanus capitis.

What are fire ants?

The red imported fire ant (RIFA), Solenopsis invicta Buren, was accidentally introduced into Alabama the 1930's. Since that time they have spread throughout the Southeast and even to California. They are prevalent in South Carolina, and are found in all 46 counties in the state.